English priest and martyr, b. in Stafford gaol, about 1590, martyred at Tyburn, London, Monday, 1 July, 1616. He was one of the younger sons of
William Macclesfield of Chesterton and Maer and Aston, Staffordshire (a firm
recusant, condemned to death in 1587 for harbouring priests, one of whom was
his brother Humphrey), and Ursula, daughter of Francis Roos, of Laxton,
Nottinghamshire. William Macclesfield is said to have died in prison and is
one of the prætermissi as William Maxfield; but, as his death occurred in
1608, this is doubtful. Thomas arrived at the English College at Douai on 16
march, 1602-3, but had to return to England 17 May, 1610, owing to ill
health. In 1614 he went back to Douai, was ordained priest, and in the next
year came to London. Within three months of landing he was arrested, and
sent to the Gatehouse, Westminster. After about eight months' imprisonment,
he tried to escape by a rope let down from the window in his cell, but was
captured on reaching the ground. This was at midnight 14- 15 June, 1616. For
seventy hours he was placed in the stocks in a filthy dungeon at the
Gatehouse, and was then on Monday night (17 June) removed to Newgate, where
he was set amongst the worst criminals, two of whom he converted. On
Wednesday, 26 June, he was brought to the bar at the Old Bailey, and the
next day was condemned solely for being a priest, under 27 Eliz., c, 2. The
Spanish ambassador did his best to obtain a pardon, or at least a reprieve;
but, finding his efforts unavailing, had solemn exposition of the Blessed
Sacrament in his chapel during the martyr's last night on earth. The
procession to Tyburn early on the following morning was joined by many
devout Spaniards, who, in spite of insults and mockery, persisted in forming
a guard of honour for the martyr. Tyburn-tree itself was found decorated
with garlands, and the ground round about strewn with sweet herbs. The
sheriff ordered the martyr to be cut down alive, but popular feeling was too
strong, and the disembowelling did not take place till he was quite
senseless. Half of his relics are now at Downside Abbey, near Bath.